Compression socks are a great way to relieve your legs and feet from muscle soreness or cramps. They are not necessarily very expensive and usually last for a very long time, making them a great product to invest in.
As a nurse, you would know that your job revolves around standing and moving around the hospital for long stretches of time. You are not sure when you would be called up for duty or how hectic a day is going to be. Your legs need to be prepared for the grueling schedule and compression socks make for a great first step.
Now you may be wondering which compression socks to buy and how much money to spend on getting the most value for your money. We understand that this can difficult, especially if it is the first time you are looking to get some compression socks. To help you in your search and give you the best possible options to choose from, we have researched the market ourselves and shortlisted a handful of great performing compression socks.
Please note, all external links for the products below (geni.us links, etc.) link to the corresponding Amazon.com page for each product.
Compression Socks for Nurses Comparison Table
| Ranking | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Sock for Nurses |  2XU Women's Compression Performance Run Socks |  Sockwell Women's Compression Socks |  Vitalsox Italy VT1211 Compression Socks |  CompressionZ Compression Socks |  Fytto 1020 Women Compression Socks |
| Award |  |  |  | ||
| Price | |||||
| Compression | 15-20mmHg | 15-20mmHg | 15-20mmHg | 20-30mmHg | 15-20mmHg |
| Material | 72% Nylon, 28% Invista Sport Lycra | 32% Merino Wool, 32% Stretch Nylon, 31% Bamboo Rayon, 5% Spandex | 70% Silver Drystat, 10% Spandex, 10% Lycra, 10% Nylon | Cotton, Silver Yarn, Nylon and Lycra | 25% Spandex, 75% Nylon |
| More Details | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > |
Best Overall Compression Sock for Nurses
2XU Women's Compression Performance Run Socks Review
2XU compression socks are the best overall option available in the market. The socks are created using an innovative technology, which makes them superior to other alternatives in terms of airflow and comfort.
These socks are made from 72% Nylon and 28% Invista Sport Lycra. They are perfect for keeping the blood flowing in your legs, which promotes muscle activation. The socks also support the shin and the calf, preventing any cases of cramps. They keep fatigue away and allow you to keep moving, whenever your job calls.
The 2XU compression socks for women come with:
1) Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort
2) Graduated compression increases blood circulation for improved recovery and reduced muscle stiffness post exercise
3) High filament yarns for dryness - wicks moisture from the skin to the fabric exterior
4) Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection
Due to the material of construction, the 2XU nurse compression socks provide superior support and flexibility. The waistband is flat and streamlined to prevent marks on the legs, from wearing the socks for long hours. The graduated compression technology embedded in the material of the socks allows for greater airflow and better blood circulation, which will let your legs feel active throughout the day. The yarns have high filaments for quicker sweat absorption. This also prevents smell from developing in the socks. The company specified that the socks are antibacterial and UPF50+ certified for protection against UV rays. Overall, these socks are pretty durable and efficient for long term usage.
Apart from the functionality factors, the aesthetics of the socks are also quite nice. You can get a pair in several colors (up to 20 different options!) to match your nurse uniform or shoe style.
While everything looks good with this sock, many people are unhappy that it comes with an extraordinary price tag for just a pair of socks. However, it seems that this is the kind of price that can get you a premium pair of compression socks. Moreover, while the cost may seem like a lot in the start, the super long life of the pair can make up for it.
Pros
+ Provides a fit that won’t expand over time, unlike some other compression socks
+ Many different colors and options
+ Good balance between being thin enough to not be too hot and offering enough support
Cons
- Pretty expensive, but long lasting
Best Value Compression Sock for Nurses
Sockwell Women's Chevron Compression Socks Review
Sockwell is a famous American brand that envisions to revolutionize the therapeutic and compression socks design to look like ordinary socks. There Chevron Graduated Compression socks are one of the best value socks you are going to find in the market. They help with the circulation, reduce fatigue and keep your legs ready for long days.
The socks are made from 32% Merino Wool, 32% Stretch Nylon, 31% Bamboo Rayon and 5% Spandex. All the material has been produced and used in the United States, with state of the art technology involved. Sockwell has also kept the nature in mind, promoting environment friendly manufacturing techniques.
The Chevron Graduated Compression Socks feature:
1) Accu-fit technology consisting of spandex throughout the sock ensures same fit at the end of the day as when it was first pulled on
2) Ultra-light cushion sole provides comfort and great fit
The Sockwell pair comes with a moderate compression support (15-20mmHg), but is still very good for everyday usage. It diminishes the effects of prolonged sitting or standing, but keeping the blood flowing in your leg muscles. This prevents any development of cramps or swelling of feet. There is also support for calf and ankle. The socks come with a unique Accu-fit technology that keeps the sock in position throughout the day. There is an ultra-light cushion embedded in the sole of the socks, which give great comfort and balance while you are doing your nursing duties.
The Sockwell pairs can be purchased in an assortment of patterns.
One common problem that has been reported by the users of these socks is that the underside of the pair have heavy threads that leave marks on the leg and can even be painful.
Pros
+ Made in the USA
+ Merino wool blend is great for that cool feel
+ TONS of options, this is only just one pattern that is linked
Cons
- The knitted pattern means that there are heavy threads on the inside of the sock that leave painful impressions on your legs since these are tight compression socks
#3 Best Overall Compression Sock for Nurses
Vitalsox Italy VT1211 Compression Socks Review
Vitalsox is an Italian brand that has been manufacturing ideal compression socks for over two decades. It produces its socks in Italy and has had several patents granted to it for producing advanced compression socks. What is special about Vitalsox is that the company checks each pair of socks it produces manually and has super strict quality check tests.
This particular range of compression socks is made from 70% Silver Drystat, 10% Spandex, 10% Lycra and 10% Nylon. It provides a compression of 15-20mmHg, which makes it adept for most people. The socks are made with the best care and come prewashed in chemical free softener.
The socks have:
1) Vitalsox technical performance material designed using Quick Drying Polypropylene infused with Silver to resist and stop the growth of bacteria and fungus while it repels odor from the socks.
2) 4 way stretch that does not wear out
Each pair of Vitalsox is exquisite in its performance. It enhances recovery by promoting blood circulation throughout the leg and even the feet. This means that your feet will no longer have a poor recovery from cramps or swelling. The socks are offered in various sizes to meet the requirements of all customers. They are perfect for people suffering from Achilles, heel issues, blisters, blood pooling, etc. The silver embedded in the material of the socks cuts the growth of bacteria and keeps your feet odor free, even after a full day of usage.
What makes Vitalsox stand apart from other manufacturers as a company is their superior customer care service, which means that the company will do anything to solve your problem if you are unsatisfied with their product.
Overall, this is a great pair of compression socks. Perhaps, the only downside to these socks is that the pattern can be somewhat awkward for a few people and you may have to live with it or opt for any other socks in our list.
Pros
+ Made in Italy
+ Feels very soft and comfortable
+ Quality holds after several washes
Cons
- Design is somewhat awkward
#4 Best Overall Compression Sock for Nurses
CompressionZ Compression Socks Review
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
The CompressionZ socks are one of the best budget compression socks you can get in the market at the moment. If you are wondering to try out compression socks for the first time, you can probably have a go with these ones.
The socks are made from a combination of Cotton, Silver Yarn, Nylon and Lycra. They have a feel of Spandex and provide support between 20-30mmHg. The socks are snug and will keep your legs warm, allowing blood to move through easily and distribute the much needed nutrients throughout your lower body. The true difference can only be felt once you wear the socks on.
CompressionZ socks feature:
1) SILVER YARN ANTI-BACTERIA FABRIC - Helps regulate temperature by keeping you warm when cold, and cool when hot
While it is a budget socks pair, you can still expect high quality performance from CompressionZ. Each pair has been quality checked to ensure that they meet your expectation. The socks work to reduce the development of lactic acid in your muscles, by sending more blood and hence more oxygen to it. The silver yarn used in the material helps to prevent any development of bacteria, which generally grow in warm and sweaty environment of your socks, and also reduce any odor. The socks are thermo regulate your legs and are perfect for use all year long.
The only downsides to this pair are that it may feel too tight for beginners, to the extent of annoyance, and the material can feel scratchy until you get used to it.
Pros
+ Keeps shape for a long time
+ Extra compression for those that need extra relief
Cons
- Compression may be too much for beginners
- Somewhat scratchy feel
Budget Pick Compression Sock for Nurses
Fytto 1020 Women Compression Socks Review
Fytto is the last sock manufacturer on our list. This brand produces some of the best socks options for people who have limited cash to splash. The socks are pretty simple, but in no way are they of low quality.
The 1020 compression socks are made from a combination of 25% Spandex and 75% Nylon. This makes it both breathable, stretchy and comfortable.
The socks feature:
1) Unique patterns to relieve stress and promote relaxation
2) Quick muscle recovery
The socks are primarily designed to prevent swelling and cramps. The blood flow is increased in your legs when you put these socks on and this will bring more oxygen to your leg muscles, keeping them refreshed and active. Due to the breathable design, the socks don’t feel too hot or annoying when put on for long hours. They offer compression of 15 – 20 mmHg, which makes the socks ideal for beginners to try out. The elastic on the rim of the socks is flat and does not leave any markings on your leg, or hurt your legs for that matter.
The compression socks get all the basics right. Perhaps you would have liked it more if there were more color options to choose from. At the moment, there are only 2 colors (black and nude) to pick from. Moreover, since the socks are not made from advanced fibers like lycra, their durability is affected and they are not going to last for a very long time.
Pros
+ Good for summer wear since they are thin
+ Elastic is well distributed, not just at the top of the sock to keep them up
Cons
- Only 2 colors to choose from
- No lycra or other advanced fibers
Our Suggestions
Now we have reached the conclusion of our extensive review. We reviewed all kinds of products including premium ones, standard ones and even budget ones. You can look into them in detail and get one for you which best fits your needs and precise requirements. Do note that you do not need to get a prescription to purchase compression socks, so you can go ahead and get them like you would get any ordinary pair of socks. However, it is recommended that if you suffer from any medical conditions, you should refer to your doctor and ensure that you can use compression socks for long hours.
Best Compression Socks for Nurses: Reviewed
| Compression Sock for Nurses | Award | |
| 1 | 2XU Women's Compression Performance Run Socks | Best Overall |
| 2 | Sockwell Women's Chevron Graduated Compression Socks | Best Value |
| 3 | Fytto 1020 Women Compression Socks | Budget Pick |
